Super Easy Monterey Chicken Recipe
The Super Easy Monterey Chicken Recipe is a quick and flavorful dish featuring juicy boneless, skinless chicken breasts topped with melted Monterey Jack cheese and mild green chilies. Perfect for weeknight dinners or casual gatherings, this recipe delivers creamy, cheesy richness with a gentle kick in under 30 minutes, ensuring a tender and mouthwatering meal every time.
- Author: Barbara
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 18 minutes
- Total Time: 28 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Searing and Simmering
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Main Ingredients
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
- 1/2 cup canned green chilies (or fresh, diced)
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 2 tablespoons olive oil or butter
Optional Ingredients
- Fresh parsley or cilantro, chopped for garnish
- Prepare the chicken: Season the chicken breasts thoroughly with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder to ensure each piece is packed with flavor from the inside out.
- Brown the chicken: Heat olive oil or butter in a skillet over medium heat. Place the chicken breasts in the pan and cook for about 5-7 minutes on each side until golden brown and nearly cooked through.
- Add green chilies and cheese: Spoon green chilies evenly over each piece of chicken and generously sprinkle shredded Monterey Jack cheese on top, allowing it to melt as the chicken finishes cooking.
- Cover and simmer: Lower the heat, cover the skillet with a lid, and let everything simmer for another 3-5 minutes until the cheese is bubbly and the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
- Garnish and serve: Remove from heat and optionally sprinkle with fresh parsley or cilantro before serving. Enjoy your Super Easy Monterey Chicken!
Notes
- Pound the chicken breasts evenly to ensure they cook uniformly without drying out.
- Covering the pan helps melt the cheese perfectly and keeps the chicken moist.
- Do not overcrowd the pan; give each chicken breast enough space to sear properly.
- Use fresh or high-quality canned green chilies for better flavor.
- Let the chicken rest for a few minutes off heat to lock in juices before serving.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 chicken breast with toppings
- Calories: 320 kcal
- Sugar: 1 g
- Sodium: 450 mg
- Fat: 15 g
- Saturated Fat: 7 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 4 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 38 g
- Cholesterol: 110 mg
Keywords: Monterey chicken, easy chicken recipe, weeknight dinner, cheesy chicken, gluten free chicken recipe